Alzheimer's disease is a progressive degenerative disease characterized by dementia, cognitive and social changes. The progressive nature of the disease can lead to severe cognitive decline and the inability to responsibly and adequately care for yourself. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics rank Alzheimer's disease as the seventh most common cause of death in the U.S. Several herbs are commonly used to slow the disease's advance. Check with a doctor before starting any new treatment.
Bacopa
Bacopa monniera is a renowned herb in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for enhancing cognition and recollection. The 2007 Natural Standard article, "Bacopa for Alzheimer's Disease" states that this herb may help treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by deposits of a protein-like substances that form into hard, insoluble plaques and tangles that build up between nerve cells. Memory networks in the brain interact through the production of the chemical messenger, acetylcholine, or Ach. The plaques and tangles damage and kill nerve cells that produce and respond to Ach and reduce the levels of this important memory molecule.
The 2007 article notes that bacopa may be helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's because it was found to reduce the protein-like substances known as beta-amyloid levels in Alzheimer's-induced mice. The medications to treat Alzheimer's disease attempt to extend the effects of acetylcholine between the nerve cells, by inhibiting the enzyme that recycles and breaks it down. These drugs are known as anticholinesterase inhibitors. A 2002 Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior journal article noted that herbs bacopa and ginkgo biloba have shown to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzymes in mice and may be helpful in dementia. All herbs should be tried under the supervision of a medical professional.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo is a popular herb used by many people for general memory improvement and cardiovascular disease. A 2009 eCAM review article by Li-Min Fu notes that there are numerous mechanisms of actions for the way that ginkgo is proposed to work in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Fu lists these actions as antioxidant against oxidative damage, increasing the effects of acetylcholine action at the nerve junctions and preventing the formation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain.
Naturopathic physicians Joseph Pizzorno Jr. and Michael Murray, authors of the book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," note that ginkgo biloba extract at a dose of 240mg per day specifically helps to reverse or delay cognitive decline in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and may help patients maintain a quality of life and avoid nursing homes. Improvements in mental function were without side effects but use is suggested for at least 12 weeks to determine effectiveness. Ginkgo may interact with other medications, so its use should be discussed with your health-care practitioner in advance.
Huperzia
Huperzia serrata is a moss that is used as a healing therapy in traditional Chinese medicine. An extract of this herb, known as huperzine A is a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, according to Pizzorno and Murray. The eCAM article notes that its action is even stronger than the conventional Alzheimer's drug, galantamine. Of the clinical trials referenced in the eCAM article, huperzine A promoted beneficial changes in Alzheimer's without serious side effects. Larger scale studies were recommended in the future to fully elaborate on its effects. Pizzorno notes that 200 micrograms of huperzine A twice per day improves memory, cognition and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. All herbs should be tried under the supervision of a medical professional.
References
- Natural Standard: Bacopa for Alzheimer's Disease
- Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior: A Comparative Study in Rodents of Standardized Extracts of Bacopa Monniera and Ginkgo Biloba: Anticholinesterase and Cognitive Enhancing Activities
- eCAM: A Systematic Review of Single Chinese Herbs for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., Michael T. Murray; 2002
